SEATCA 2025 - Southeastern Alberta Teachers' Convention: Full Schedule

9:00am MST

Big Ideas Through Story

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

Stories present a rich medium through which children can explore the Big Ideas of Math. They are particularly powerful when linked to a continuum of learning that reflects the way in which children develop mathematical concepts. This session will explore how primary educators can select stories and associated activities that engage children at just the right level, allowing them to consolidate mathematical concepts already learned and move forward with new understanding. It will present ideas on how stories can engage children in a wide range of mathematical ideas, thinking and activity, in a variety of real-world and imaginary contexts.

Speakers

Gerry Varty

Pearson Canada

"For over 35 years, Gerry has been a classroom teacher, school and district leader, and tireless advocate for professional learning support. A leader in K-12 Mathematics education, Assessment, and Instructional Design initiatives, Gerry loves working with teachers to make success... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
S107 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Numeracy

Audience div 1

10:30am MST

Building Solid Mathematical Understandings with Mathology 7-9

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

S107

Built around the K-9 Learning Progression developed at the U of A by Dr Lynne McGarvey, Pearson's
Mathology is a one-stop, integrated resource that aims to transform the way students approach and
engage with math, fostering a deeper appreciation and mastery of key concepts.

If you're tired of using restrictive resources that don't fit you or your class, or weary of spending your
time searching online for those mix-and-match ideas, materials, and tools, join Gerry for a conversation
about how Mathology's editable and adaptable instructional materials, planning and assessment tools,
and pedagogical supports can simplify resource choices for today's Middle-School Teachers and
Learners.

Speakers

Gerry Varty

Pearson Canada

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
S107 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Numeracy

Audience Div 3

1:00pm MST

Bringing Joy into the Elementary Math Classroom

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

S107

Are you wondering how to bring joy and engagement into the elementary math classroom? This session will provide research-based, engaging and easy to implement numeracy structures aligned to the new Alberta mathematics curriculum. We will speak about our journeys in how we structure our math blocks to include number talks, Guided Math Stations, rich math tasks, math manipulatives, spiralized review of concepts and triangulated assessment data. The presenters will speak about how we have implemented these structures in various Grade 2-Grade 6 classrooms.

Speakers

Michael Tschritter

Teacher, MHPSD76

Michael Tschritter is a Grade 4/5 Combined Teacher at Ross Glen School. He enjoys spending time with family and playing sports. His goal is to inspire students to reach their full potential through planning engaging learning activities and collaborating with colleagues to create... Read More →

Shawna Boodhoo

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
S107 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Numeracy

Audience Div 1, Div 2

2:30pm MST

Life in Tanzania

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST

S107

My grade 3 class had the opportunity to be pen pals with students from a small school in Arusha, Tanzania. We were able to share what life is like in rural Alberta and compare it first hand to life in Tanzania. Students created games and videos explaining how to play some of the math and learning games we play in our classroom. Through bake sales, we were able to fund raise enough money to purchase a water reservation system, repair the roof on the school, and purchase a photo copier. I had the opportunity to spend a week in Tanzania, work with the students, and take them games, food, and school supplies. Through personal connection we were able to create authentic learning opportunities.

Speakers

Deanna Dola

I have been a teacher for the past 30 years. The last 22 have been spent at Seven Persons School teaching grade 6 with the last 7 teaching grade 3. I love to spend time hiking and kyaking and enjoy hanging out with my husband, children, and grandchildren.

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm MST
S107 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Social Studies

Audience All Divisions

9:00am MST

What About Play?

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

S107

We can hardly find the time needed to get through all of our outcomes, how on earth are we supposed to find time in our day for our students to play? Join me as we explore the importance of play for early learners and ways to include high quality, authentic play while still having adequate time to cover our outcomes. We will explore how to foster quality play opportunities through researched based practices to ensure the wellness and learning of the whole child.

Speakers

Suzanne Bergeron

Suzanne is a wife, mom of four, and teacher of many. Passionate about finding balance between mental health, a joyful homelife, and successful teaching career she is constantly seeking to learn and grow. Suzanne is deeply dedicated to play and including nature in the daily routines... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
S107 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Early Learning

Audience Early Childhood, Div 1

10:30am MST

Who Said It Has To Be Perfect: Managing Perfectionism in Your Teaching Practice

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST

S107

Are you finding yourself grappling with making aspects of your teaching practice perfect? Struggling with burn out, never feeling like you are finished, and living in a constant state of stress? Join us as we take a deep breath, drop our shoulders, and explore ways to re-write perfectionistic tendencies in our classrooms. We will delve into practical strategies for managing perfectionism, fostering a growth mindset, and embracing our "enoughness" in our teaching careers. You will leave with actionable tools to help you cultivate a more flexible, sustainable, and enjoyable teaching career.

Speakers

Suzanne Bergeron

Friday February 21, 2025 10:30am - 11:30am MST
S107 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Health & Wellness

Audience All Divisions, Admin/Leadership

1:00pm MST

Finding Balance: The Art of Surviving Teaching Young Children While Raising Your Own

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

S107

Join us as we discuss the great joys and incredible challenges that come along with teaching young children while raising our own. From the practicals of lesson and meal planning to the tough topics of sharing the mental load and the division of domestic labour we will dive head first into setting ourselves up for success in our homes and classrooms. *Although this session is geared for parents and teachers of children under 10 it will have lots of helpful tips and tricks for parents and teachers of all ages.

Speakers

Suzanne Bergeron

Friday February 21, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
S107 299 College Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Health & Wellness